In 1981, attorney and civil rights activist Vernon Jordan gave the Commencement Address at the University of Pennsylvania. His daughter Vicky was in the graduating class and Mr. Jordan was awarded an honorary degree by Penn president Sheldon Hackney.

Martha’s Vineyard Museum board members introduced a new award Monday, the Martha’s Vineyard Medal, and honored four individuals who demonstrated a commitment to preserving the history, arts and culture of the Island through their roles as community leaders. The awards ceremony was part of the museum’s annual meeting.

David McCullough, Arthur R. Railton and Tobias Jonathan Vanderhoop will be awarded the Martha’s Vineyard Medal in a ceremony at the annual meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on Monday, August 9, at 5 p.m. at the Federated Church on South Summer street in Edgartown.

The medal is awarded annually to leaders in the community in recognition of their outstanding commitment to preserving the history, arts and culture of Martha’s Vineyard.